You would be quite surprised actually. Try it and see how often you decide to use it over a graphical browser.

What do you use? -- I've tried with lynx and its ilk but I find that too many websites these days are completely broken without javascript, and the layout often unreadable without CSS.

Lynx, plus I have made my own enhancements over the years for the way I like to browse.

I would just need a few bookmarks really. Although I do like to open dev tools and see what some people are doing sometimes.

It actually is. You could try it (lynx) and see for yourself. It considerably reduces distractions.

Replying from lynx; this is awesome. What kind of mods do people put on this?

I use Lynx as a "distraction free mode" when I'm learning a new language from a good web resource. I'll split the terminal (terminator) vertically in two, then split the right part horizontally. Left: web page. Right upper: playground (REPL or edit & compile). Right lower: Markdown notes in vim.